Battery powered location strobe recommendations?

Battery powered location strobe recommendations? I’m looking to buy a battery powered strobe for location use. 500 or 600 watt should do the trick. I’m thinking possibly the Bowens XMT500 or the Godox AD600 as I have a load of Bowens studio strobes (GM500) and lighting modifiers already so I’ll be able to use them with either of these battery powered strobes. I’ve done the math and the prices, including the required trigger, come in at: Bowens XMT500 – £699 Bowens XMRT remote (Canon) – £129 Total: £828 Godox AD600 manual version (not TTL) – £485 ST4 trigger – £59.99 Total: £544.99 So, Godox is £283 cheaper. I think there is some connection between Godox and Bowens, but I suspect the Bowens might be build to a slightly higher standard? Not sure, but the Godox (being a Chinese knock off) seems a bit on the pricey side also, I would have thought cheap Chinese brands would be just that, ‘cheap’ but the AD600 seems far from it. Any advice here as to which head to go for, or if there are any other brands to consider, excluding Broncolor and Profoto for price reasons. Not sure about Elinchrom as I have loads of Bowens modifiers.

Battery powered location strobe recommendations?

I’m looking to buy a battery powered strobe for location use.

500 or 600 watt should do the trick.

I’m thinking possibly the Bowens XMT500 or the Godox AD600 as I have a load of Bowens studio strobes (GM500) and lighting modifiers already so I’ll be able to use them with either of these battery powered strobes.

I’ve done the math and the prices, including the required trigger, come in at:

Bowens XMT500 – £699
Bowens XMRT remote (Canon) – £129
Total: £828

Godox AD600 manual version (not TTL) – £485
ST4 trigger – £59.99
Total: £544.99

So, Godox is £283 cheaper.

I think there is some connection between Godox and Bowens, but I suspect the Bowens might be build to a slightly higher standard? Not sure, but the Godox (being a Chinese knock off) seems a bit on the pricey side also, I would have thought cheap Chinese brands would be just that, ‘cheap’ but the AD600 seems far from it.

Any advice here as to which head to go for, or if there are any other brands to consider, excluding Broncolor and Profoto for price reasons. Not sure about Elinchrom as I have loads of Bowens modifiers.

I've seen [link=https://amzn.to/2Bq2hOk]this [/link]in action and it's impressive. Unsure about a connection between the two firms apart from Godox supporting the Bowens mount because it's one of the industry standards. I've got some Godox stuff and it's well-made. Normally Neewer stuff is cheaper and possibly not as sturdy - but I think a lot of this stuff - generic Chinese copies of Japanese and big brand stuff - is manufactured by unconnected Chinese firms, bought unbranded then sold under an umbrella brand by import / export consortiums. Neewer buy stuff, brand and package but don't make anything themselves afaik - Godox apparently do, it's odd though that Neewer do a [link=https://amzn.to/31mAgSc]rebadged AD400Pro[/link] which suggests neither they or Godox actually make the unit?

I've seen this in action and it's impressive. Unsure about a connection between the two firms apart from Godox supporting the Bowens mount because it's one of the industry standards. I've got some Godox stuff and it's well-made.

Normally Neewer stuff is cheaper and possibly not as sturdy - but I think a lot of this stuff - generic Chinese copies of Japanese and big brand stuff - is manufactured by unconnected Chinese firms, bought unbranded then sold under an umbrella brand by import / export consortiums.

Neewer buy stuff, brand and package but don't make anything themselves afaik - Godox apparently do, it's odd though that Neewer do a rebadged AD400Pro which suggests neither they or Godox actually make the unit?

Godox all the way, prior to Bowens going under Godox manufactured the Bowens units. Despite then company being Chinese the build quality is high and on par with more expensive options. They are the manufacturers BTW Chris, just that the units are often rebranded. The ecosystem is probably the widest and most comprehensive that is available. I now use only Godox, from 600 down to 200 watt/seconds including and couple of speed lights and can highly recommend.

Godox all the way, prior to Bowens going under Godox manufactured the Bowens units. Despite then company being Chinese the build quality is high and on par with more expensive options.
They are the manufacturers BTW Chris, just that the units are often rebranded.
The ecosystem is probably the widest and most comprehensive that is available.
I now use only Godox, from 600 down to 200 watt/seconds including and couple of speed lights and can highly recommend.

Chris, the AD400 you linked to is underpowered, I need 500 or 600. I can't see the point in going for AD600Pro as it is the same price as a Bowens XMT and I'd rather have the 'real' thing I suppose, if I wanted TTL feature, which I don't, which leaves just the Godox AD600BM (Bowens Manual) at £485. So, is there any alternative to the AD600BM at £485 or would you guys go with that?

Chris, the AD400 you linked to is underpowered, I need 500 or 600. I can't see the point in going for AD600Pro as it is the same price as a Bowens XMT and I'd rather have the 'real' thing I suppose, if I wanted TTL feature, which I don't, which leaves just the Godox AD600BM (Bowens Manual) at £485.

So, is there any alternative to the AD600BM at £485 or would you guys go with that?

AD600BM is the way to go, if you purchase from Lencarta or Essential you will get full UK after sales etc.

AD600BM is the way to go, if you purchase from Lencarta or Essential you will get full UK after sales etc.

Thanks Phil, I'll probably go that way as head looks good. I've heard of both Lencarta and Essential.

Thanks Phil, I'll probably go that way as head looks good. I've heard of both Lencarta and Essential.

I only linked to the AD400 to demonstrate that Neewer are selling Godox stuff under the Neewer brand. Godox is also sold under the Flashpoint brand by Adorama, it's worth shopping around as sometimes the prices and special offers differ but the units are the same. I would check [link=http://flashhavoc.com/category/brands/godox/]FlashHavoc [/link]for the latest info, I hear that new models are coming out and the price of older models could fall soon.

I only linked to the AD400 to demonstrate that Neewer are selling Godox stuff under the Neewer brand.

Godox is also sold under the Flashpoint brand by Adorama, it's worth shopping around as sometimes the prices and special offers differ but the units are the same.

I would check FlashHavoc for the latest info, I hear that new models are coming out and the price of older models could fall soon.

[quote]I've seen this in action and it's impressive. Unsure about a connection between the two firms apart from Godox supporting the Bowens mount because it's one of the industry standards. I've got some Godox stuff and it's well-made[/quote] I too have been tempted by stuff like that, but keep holding off, the TTL and HSS features are nice and would be useful but I`m just making do with my cheap yongnuo`s and godox powerpacks (that are reasonably priced)

Quote:I've seen this in action and it's impressive. Unsure about a connection between the two firms apart from Godox supporting the Bowens mount because it's one of the industry standards. I've got some Godox stuff and it's well-made


I too have been tempted by stuff like that, but keep holding off, the TTL and HSS features are nice and would be useful but I`m just making do with my cheap yongnuo`s and godox powerpacks (that are reasonably priced)

Thanks guys. I bought two Godox AD600BM units, pleased with them. Bought from Essential Photo as they had a decent sale price at the time. Thanks again for advice.

Thanks guys. I bought two Godox AD600BM units, pleased with them. Bought from Essential Photo as they had a decent sale price at the time. Thanks again for advice.